A Retrospective Study of Foreign Body Ingestions and Outcomes Among the Pediatric Age Group in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Background Foreign body ingestion (FBI) is a prevalent pediatric emergency, especially in toddlers. The clinical trajectory is significantly influenced by the type, size, and location of the object. Although many cases resolve without intervention, high-risk foreign bodies, including button batteries and magnets, present considerable health risks. Limited data are available from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf region. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of pediatric FBI cases presenting to Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital over a 15-month period in addition to look for secondary outcomes that help with reducing the complication rate. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included all pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) presenting with confirmed or suspected FBI between December 2022 and February 2024. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, including demographics, clinical presentation, foreign body type, number, and location, time from ingestion to emergency department (ED) presentation, management modality, and complications. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests, was conducted to determine associations between object type and rates of intervention and complications. Results A total of 338 cases were included. The mean age at presentation was 4.35 years (±3.26), ranging from six months to 16 years, with 202 (59.8%) being male. Coins were the most commonly ingested object, seen in 127 (37.6%) cases, followed by magnets in 40 (11.8%), button batteries in 37 (10.9%), and plastics in 31 (9.2%). While 76 (22.5%) patients required some intervention (endoscopy or surgery), 262 (77.5%) were managed conservatively. Ingestion of button batteries and multiple magnets required significantly higher intervention with higher complication rates. A statistically significant association was found between foreign body type and the need for intervention (χ² = 29.71; p < 0.001), as well as complication occurrence (χ² = 22.71; p < 0.001). In addition, the overall complication rate was 11 (3.3%), primarily involving button batteries. Conclusion This study examines a cohort of pediatric patients presenting with FBI at a single tertiary care center in Dubai. The condition predominantly affects young children, with coins being the most frequently ingested items. However, ingestion of high-risk objects, such as magnets and button batteries, poses significantly greater dangers, often necessitating immediate medical intervention. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced public awareness, streamlined referral pathways, and the development of national guidelines tailored to the region's unique clinical trends.